What Can Astronauts Take To Space?
What Can Astronauts Take To Space?
There are three kits that allow astronauts to take some home comforts or mementos with them into space.
PPK (Personal Preference Kit)
NASA introduced the Personal Preference Kit (PPK) to formalize the practice of astronauts carrying mementoes on their missions. Prior to a flight, astronauts were required to submit a list of the items they wished to take as souvenirs for validation by NASA. The weight of the items was limited, and the bulk had to fit within a small bag provided for that purpose.
While the contents of most PPKs remain unknown, as this was considered a private matter for the astronaut, the flown PPK bags themselves have become collectable items. Therefore, it is interesting to determine how many PPKs were carried on each flight. You can find more information on PPK kits that were flown and auctioned here: http://www.spaceflownartifacts.com/flown_ppks.html
Crew Care Packages
During a typical six-month mission aboard the International Space Station, resupply ships bring much-needed materials to the astronauts. However, there is one package that is eagerly awaited: crew care packages. These packages are sent from either the astronauts' homes or the support staff to make life in space feel a bit more comfortable and familiar. They are about half the size of cargo transfer bags (CTBs), which are white fabric duffle bags often seen in ISS photos. The CTB used for crew care packages is around 23 centimetres by 42 centimetres (9 inches by 16 inches) and has a weight limit of 5 kilograms (about 11 pounds) per crew member, so the amount of goodies that can be sent into space is limited.
The contents of the bag are also restricted. Food is allowed, but anything with significant crumbs such as potato chips and peanuts (depending on the packaging) that can float around and interfere with computers and ventilation is not allowed. Homemade treats like cookies are also not allowed due to perishability and the inability to monitor their quality. Products containing alcohol, including perfumes, aftershaves, and mouthwash, as well as pressurized cans like shaving cream, are strictly prohibited. Clothing can be sent, but it must be 100 per cent cotton. Certain electronics like handheld video games are not allowed either, due to concerns about batteries and off-gassing problems.
OFK (Official Flight Kit)
The federal law mandates an "official flight kit" which contains approximately 120 pounds of unusual items, aimed at allowing NASA, commercial partners, and international organizations to utilize the souvenirs as either museum exhibits or awards. However, to get these items onboard, each organization must first submit a written request for NASA's approval.
While there are many flags, patches, and stickers included in the official flight kit, mostly intended for project employees and contractors, there are also some unexpected items that have been approved.
